Merrill, WI vs Middleton, WI

The cost of living difference between Merrill, WI and Middleton, WI is dramatic. Merrill is 42.2% cheaper than Middleton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Merrill has a cost index of 65 while Middleton sits at 112, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Merrill is $784/month compared to $1,357/month in Middleton — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Merrill is more affordable at $113,200 median vs $457,400.

Median household income in Merrill is $49,947 compared to $85,526 in Middleton (-41.6%). The higher salaries in Middleton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Merrill spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, less than the 19% in Middleton.